Paddling the River Back to Ask Why

If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

river house ~d nelson

So mighty stand stone dwellings within sandstone cliffs of what we now call Cedar Mesa. What did you call it, dear ancestors? We might call you Anasazi, ancient peoples what did you call yourselves? Perhaps answers are present among the thousands of petroglyphs that adorn the mesa. Stories of your community living in harsh desert heat and wind protected by solid rock comforted by San Juan River’s life-giving waters, expressed in simple imagery surviving ravages of time.

proud desert big horn ram

We paddled downstream into strong head-winds making our way to your snake house to ask advice. Help…